Legalizing marijuana for adult use in some states changed the game for users, and it started a debate about whether the product could have the same benefits on animals. There is so much to study as far as humans are concerned, so the reports available on pets are quite minimal. The current information shows that https://askgrowers.com/cbd/cbd-products-for-pets may help with pain management, seizures, and inflammation issues, with similar effects on the human body and mind. CBD is a plant extract that does not cause highness, so it is favored for the several benefits it has been seen to have on humans. How do these translate to pets?
This article explores everything we know about the use of CBD in animals.
Does CBD Work in Animals the Same it Does for People?
Since it addresses similar concerns: pain, seizures, and anxiety, we can say CBD works similarly in humans and animals. The dosing may differ from that of humans, but the exact number is not known since this is not an FDA-approved product. A study on osteoarthritis in dogs showed that 2 mg per kg of body weight alleviated the pain without adverse side effects. The usual side effects in humans have also been observed in dogs: changes in appetite – higher or lower depending on the animal, fatigue, and diarrhea.
The same CBD used for humans is also found in pet products, so some people may not even feel the need for a pet-specific kind. You, however, want to note that some of the ingredients added to, say, human cookies, will be harmful to your furry friend. This is primarily why the pet market is thriving because specific products are set out for animals while incorporating ingredients that will not harm them.
Finding out what works for your pet may not be an open-and-shut issue, so it helps to be patient with the process as you want to work with what they like. Some CBD strains have tastes and aromas that may not feel so right with the animal, so you may want to find creative ways to have them consume these strains if they are beneficial. Adding them to treats is one of those ideas.
How do you administer CBD to an animal? You can choose topicals for localized pain, oils, chewable treats, and capsules (the animal version of edibles). The market has all these, so all left is to ensure they are made using high-quality CBD.
Health Problems that Weed Could Address in Animals
These are the three best-known issues that weed addresses in pets:
Anxiety
When pets are anxious, they exhibit issues like urinating anywhere, even when potty trained. They may also be restless around the people or situations that trouble them, and you will note these changes if you watch them keenly. Like their human counterparts, pets are said to benefit from CBD through the release of the happy hormone, serotonin, which resets their behavior and calms them down. This would certainly be the most common use for CBD since no pet parent wants their pet troubled and bothered.
Pain
Pets would be in pain due to chronic disease, injury, arthritis, or other issues, and they are seen to benefit from CBD by lowering inflammation. Studies are ongoing to see exactly how CBD works on pain, but most pet parents report good results.
Seizures
Children are not the only ones that benefit from the use of CBD during seizures, as it turns out, it works in dogs, too, when combined with traditional anti-seizure medicine. How it does that is not fully known, but the assumption is that CBD reduces the number of electrolytes contributing to seizures while preventing the nerves in a pet’s brain from firing too much. The FDA approved Epidiolex for humans in 2018 after concluding that the tests and studies around the use of CBD were enough to allow this prescription that treats seizures linked to the tuberculosis sclerosis complex. This prescription is only meant for human use as it has not been tested conclusively on animals.
As is the case with humans, each pet may react differently from the other when using these products. Since they cannot say how they are feeling, you may want to observe your pet after each dose if you get a nod from a professional. Their reaction will show whether the products are working or not, but that would usually be after consistent use over weeks. You will also want to go through several types and brands of products to see what works best for your pet, and thankfully the market has enough variations for everyone.
The current CBD market for pets is already big, and it is expected to grow even more as more people embrace it. Pets have become valued companions, especially after the pandemic, and pet parents are willing to go to all lengths to make them comfortable. If CBD reduces anxiety, and we now know pets struggle with that, too, they will get a dose. Apart from the medicinal products, grooming products meant for these furry babies make the market even bigger.
Conclusion
Before you use marijuana on your pet, you want to discuss it with your veterinary to get their input. Even though CBD is free of the euphoria and highness associated with THC, it shouldn’t be used unless a professional has given it the nod. Already, several pet parents use CBD on their furry babies with great results, but the reaction on one may differ from the other. Also, marijuana is yet to get approval from the FDA, which is why you want to consult your veterinarian before going for it.
Caroline is a dedicated writer with a passion for keeping readers informed. Specializing in providing the latest news updates and unbiased reviews, she strives to deliver accurate and insightful content. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, Caroline ensures that her readers are always well-informed. Stay tuned for her latest articles to stay up-to-date on current events and trends.
